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RSPCA calls for Grand National changes
Image - Richard Humphrey
Changes recommended to improve safety

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has called for changes to the Grand National to improve safety after the deaths of two horses, According to Pete and Synchronised, at this year's event. The call comes after a review by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) concluded that “factors one could neither have foreseen nor prevented were prevalent in the events that led to the two horses sustaining their injuries."


After taking advice from the equine inspector's team who were present at the jumps and horseracing consultant David Muir, the RSPCA has called for:
  • A reduction in the number of starters to include only experienced jockeys and horses
  • The removal of Becher's Brook
  • A re-design of the cores of fences
  • Levelling of drop landings
  • Changes to the start
  • The automatic withdrawal of horses which bolt and unseat their jockeys
  • An urgent review of communications and positioning of horse catchers
Commenting, RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said “We need change, a smaller and better qualified field, an end to killer fences like Becher’s Brook, which we believe was instrumental in the deaths of both Synchronised and According To Pete. We hope the BHA and Aintree will work with the RSPCA to make the Grand National a true test of jockeys’ skills but not at the cost of horses’ lives.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.